How to Get Rid of As by Search Assist? (Adware Removal Guide)

My browser will take random words and hyperlink them as ‘search assist’ advertisements. I think I got it from Cnet.com somehow and I don’t know how to remove it.

In this article, we will guide you to remove Search Assist and stop ads by Search Assist from popping up in your web browser.

What Is Search Assist?

Search Assist is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that generally referred to as adware. It is mainly promoted via other free downloads, such as download-manager, video streaming/recording and PDF creator, although it can be downloaded and installed willingly from its official website. That’s why you are unaware of how and when it invaded your computer.

Once installed, Search Assist will add extension or plugin to your installed web browser so that it can serve ads for partnered ad providers. Search Assist will turn random words on web pages into hyperlinks, which lead to advertisements. When your mouse pointer hover over those hyperlinked words, ads labeled with Search Assist will pop up. In this way, those who developed Search Assist can cumulate lead for those sponsored websites and get pay-per-click revenue.

When Search Assist settles on your computer, you will experience slow and lagged web browsers, browser crash. Worse still, this program is also known to exploit your firewall and open ports for other malicious programs, viruses and Trojans. You’d better remove it as soon as possible for your own sake.

Step 1 > Run a system scan to remove malicious files by Search Assist

Search Assist creates malicious files and overwrites registry entries when get installed. And it may exposes your computer to other horrible computer infections, so we strongly recommend you to scan your computer with an antivirus or antimalware program to make sure that your computer is safe and clean. Anvi Smart Defender is such a program that you can make use of.

If you are still encountering pop-up ads by Search Assist after removing Search Assist and relate malicious programs, you should go through the following guides to check your browser and remove Search Assist leftovers on your web browser.

For Internet Explorer Users:

To remove extension: click on the gear icon or Tools → select Manage Add-ons → go to Toolbars and Extensions tab → right click on Search Assist and any other suspicious extensions → choose Disable in the drop-down menu → close the window and click on OK button

For Mozilla Firefox Users:

To remove extensions and plugins: click on the orange Firefox button on the upper left corner of the browser → hit Add-ons → go to Extensions tab → Remove suspicious extensions (Search Assist)

2. Remove Search Assist browser extension and plugins

Slim Toolbar featured in Cloud System Booster enables you to manage toolbars and extentions on Internet Explorer, Firefox and Chrome simultaneously.

Click on the up arrow on the Home tab of Cloud System Booster to go to Slim Toolbar, then remove all the suspicious extensions and plugins.

When you are not on the Home tab, you can find Toolbar Manager on the right side.

Recommended—Clean up and speed up your PC with Cloud System Booster

Please note that after uninstall malicious programs, there will be many residual files – like invalid registry entries still on your computer. These junk files occupy disk space of your computer and may degrade your computer performance over time. It is complicated to delete them manually, so you may need the help of a system cleaner or system optimizer. We recommend you Cloud System Booster.

Malware Prevention Tips

1. Keep an eye on what you are agree to install and do not just click on Next blindly.

As mentioned above, Search Assist sneaks into your computer by being bundled in the installer of other free software, so you should be attentive when install such programs and always opt for custom/advanced installation.

3. Keep a professional antivirus or antimalware program on and perform system scan regularly.

Adware like Search Assist may lead you to malicious websites and your computer may be exposed to other horrible computer infections, so we strongly recommend you to scan your computer with an antivirus or antimalware program to make sure that your computer is safe and clean. Anvi Smart Defender is such a program that you can make use of.

There is an Anvi Ad Blocker integrated in Anvi Smart Defender, which can block malicious URLs, phishing websites, pop-up/flash ads as well as your unwanted websites that cannot be distinguished and detected by the browser itself. If you are pro version user of Anvi Smart Defender, it is free to use for you. Also, you can download its trial version to create you a clean and secure online environment.